Apply to be an AmeriCorps Member

AmeriCorps is a national service program designed to strengthen citizenship and the ethic of service by engaging thousands of Americans on a full-time or part-time basis to help communities to address their toughest challenges. Michigan's AmeriCorps is similar to a domestic Peace Corps, that involves individuals (members) "getting things done" in their communities.

If you are interested in conservation, want to make a difference, and develop your professional skills, consider joining the Huron Pines AmeriCorps team. Designed to provide northern Michigan conservation organizations with highly qualified individuals for a term of volunteer service, the program not only improves a conservation organization’s ability to protect Michigan’s natural resources, but it also provides members with real-world experience and training. With a living stipend and some attractive benefits, this program provides an opportunity to develop as a resource professional in the conservation community. Member activities include volunteer engagement, habitat restoration, environmental stewardship and developing new conservation services.

Positions Available for 2015

Half-time positions are now open for summer 2015 service! Please read the descriptions below and apply online through the link after the descriptions. We will accept applications through Friday, March 13, 2015.

The Au Sable River Watershed Technician will develop and participate in projects, which include water quality surveys, invasive plants inventories and eradication, and stream bank erosion inventories and repair with volunteers from the AWC ’s member groups. The volunteer will work with teachers and students to expand a youth stewardship program. In addition, the AmeriCorps member will meet with landowners and give presentations to groups about these projects. Some experience working with the public is preferred; on-site training will also be provided. Service locations include office space at the Grayling DNR, public buildings and field sites in the Au Sable River watershed. Read the full position description.

Field Technician (two openings)—Huron Pines, Gaylord

The Field Technician will implement on-the-ground restoration projects including invasive species removal at sites located along the Lake Huron shoreline in Northeast Michigan and on inland lakes, rivers and wetlands and habitat restoration projects. The AmeriCorps member will also operate a mobile boat wash station and utilize this tool as means to engage and educate various user groups and landowners about the importance of protecting our waters from aquatic invasive species. In addition, this position will include additional outreach regarding restoration efforts including developing and delivering presentations and meeting with private landowners. Opportunities for other habitat restoration work may be available as timing and schedule allow. Read the full position description.

Stewardship Coordinator—Antrim Conservation District, Bellaire

ACD is seeking an AmeriCorps member to enhance our ability to complete important conservation projects within our service area, expand our reach to private landowners and boost opportunities for community engagement. A key component of this position will be to work with the County Forester on improving the Cedar River Natural Area’s (CRNA) wildlife areas. Improving local deer populations, educating the public about invasive species (aquatic and terrestrial), conducting trail maintenance, and promoting awareness of the natural area and ACD’s programs are key objectives of this position. Read the full position description.

Stewardship Technician—Little Traverse Conservancy, Harbor Springs

The Stewardship Technician will serve closely with LTC Stewardship staff to help manage nature preserves and monitor conservation easement properties throughout the LTC service area, with a focus on lower peninsula counties. This position requires a 6-month commitment and is part of the Huron Pines AmeriCorps program. The program offers opportunities to develop creative approaches to engage the public, knowledge about land protection and resource management, and broad skills in field methodology. Read the full position description.

Land Steward—Little Forks Conservancy, Midland

The Land Steward will facilitate projects for The Little Forks Conservancy. The Land Steward will assist with management on Conservancy owned preserves including invasive species management and control, habitat restoration, trail construction, preserve maintenance, and natural resource inventory collection. In addition, the Land Steward will monitor conservation easements and collaborate with LFC Director of Land Conservation on conservation projects. The Land Steward will inventory and map invasive species on LFC conservation easement properties. In addition, this position will coordinate a volunteer stream monitoring program for macroinvertabrates in a local watershed. Work will be conducted in the Conservancy service area. Physical activity will be required for assisting in completion of position duties. Read the full position description.

Reasonable accommodations: If you need to make a request for a reasonable accommodation, due to a disability, such as obtain materials in a format that works for you or to fully participate in the application process, please contact Jennie Roth-Jandron, AmeriCorps Coordinator at Huron Pines.

AmeriCorps is a national service program engaging thousands of citizens in service every year. Visit www.americorps.gov to learn more.